I sat at the fire, a chalice of red wine in hand, sipping as I was lost in thought. The others had long fallen asleep and knowing even my trance would be unobtainable I offered to keep watch. Our battle with Ketheric had been weeks ago but even so everyone remained on edge. Numerous Githyanki squads had come for us in the name of Vlaakith and it felt as though we were still far from the end of our plight. That wasn't what was on my mind, though, and as I took another sip I wished desperately for the company of someone; Gale. I hadn't been in love with him for long, although I'd found him charming from the first moment I'd pulled him from that rune all that time ago.

But when Elminster had appeared with his orders from Mystra, I suddenly found myself cursing a goddess I had so long admired and followed. Now, I would fight her given the chance. To hear that she would send him on a suicide mission had made my blood run cold and I immediately shot down the notion that he could even allow himself to do such a thing for a goddess who had all but forsaken him. He hadn't agreed, of course. In fact, he'd originally decided to go along with her plan. When the moment came I begged him to reconsider. Whether it was my words, or perhaps a sudden appreciation for his life, he had decided not to sacrifice himself, to not blow up the orb within his chest to take down the Absolute. I felt at that moment as though I could breathe again. How much longer could I go without telling him the truth now that I knew the true extent of my feelings?

The sudden clearing of someone's throat took me out of my thoughts, causing me to jump. I clearly was not doing a good job of being look out. I looked up, shocked to find Gale standing before me.

"Keena." He smiled, causing my heart to flutter.

"Gale." I breathed, feeling nervous.

"Mind if I join you?"

"Not at all." I moved over a bit, giving him extra space. He sat, his own chalice of wine in hand.

"I hope I didn't wake you" I sighed and he chuckled as he sat.

"Wake me? You were silent. Although, I hope I didn't disturb your thoughts, you looked deep in them."

I blushed, turning my head and taking another sip.

We sat in silence, only the sounds of the crackling fire and nature to be heard.

"Are you alright?" He asked and as I turned my head our eyes met, leaving me without a voice for a moment.

"I am." We stayed like that for a time, gazing at each other, before he spoke again.

"I was hoping for a moment like this with you, while the others are asleep. Could you spare me a moment of your time?" He looked nervous now which caused a deep pit of anxiety to form in my chest.

"Of course." I said and he smiled at that and I blushed even further, and realized I was definitely embarrassing myself.

"I often think of what would become of everyone, of the world, had I decided to blow myself up to destroy the Absolute. Would all of this be over?" My heart sank at that, something I had thought of more times than I cared to admit. I stayed silent, giving him the chance to speak.

"But you stopped me, which if I'm being honest, surprised me." My heart was suddenly in my throat.

"I couldn't let you kill yourself. I…" I trailed off, unsure of how to finish my sentence.

"Do you remember the first time we met?" He asked and I suddenly found myself grinning but didn't say anything, curious as to where this was going. "You managed to calm the rune with your own, quite impressive, magic and you pulled me out. A complete stranger, no less, and you saved me." Where is this going?

"I felt lucky to be saved. But to be saved by you…" I felt like I couldn't breath suddenly and forced myself to take another drink, I was on the verge of becoming drunk. I'd have to scold Astarion for giving me such a strong wine.

"You were breathtaking." I froze, my eyes moving back to him. The look he was giving me was wistful, his eyes alight in the glow of the warm fire.

"I fell in love with you then." he said and we were both silent, the fire feeling a little too warm now.

"I've wanted to tell you for so long, Keena. But I couldn't find the words. Couldn't fight the fear of the possibility that you didn't feel the same." I couldn't find the words to respond, he didn't seem to mind though as he continued, "I saw how you panicked when I nearly approached the Nether Brain myself, ready to sacrifice myself for the world, for you. And for a moment," he paused, "for a moment I allowed myself to hope that you felt the same. That you loved me too. And I decided to live on the possibility that I could live for you. That hope was enough to keep me living a life that had lost meaning."

"Gale." I breathed and we locked eyes once more. With my free hand, I grabbed his, relishing the feeling of his skin against mine, something I had longed for. He looked at our hands and back at me, his eyes asking for more. I leaned in then, no longer able to control myself, and pressed my lips to his. He tasted of wine and the smoke of the fire and him. Suddenly, his arm was around my waist and he pulled me closer, deepening our kiss. It felt as though we were the only two people in faerun. After a moment, I pulled away, our foreheads pressed against each other and our breathing hard.

"I love you too." I whispered, not wanting to break our little bubble.

He smiled, relief clear on his features.

"Then all you have to do is say the words and I am yours, mind, body and soul."

"I'm yours." I whispered once more and he kissed me again, deep and hungry, pouring all of his love into me.